7 Best Things to Do Solo in Sydney, Australia

As many of you know, my 7 Best Things to Do Solo series is one of my favorites and after writing my more descriptive posts on Sydney, this felt like the perfect time to continue it. Australia has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl and even though I only stayed in Sydney for a week, it was just as wonderful as I’d always hoped. It’s a city I loved so much that I hope to return someday, this time with my fiancé instead of solo.

In case you’d like more details on my trip, check out my other Sydney posts:

Let’s head down under!

Table of Contents

The Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Tour

In first place cannot surprise anyone, I absolutely loved The Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Tour. I got to be up close and very personal with a few of Symbio Wildlife Park’s koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Friends, this was surreal for me. I cannot believe this place exists and that the children there were all locals. That was their everyday zoo. Can you imagine being able to not only pet but feed kangaroos on a regular basis? Those kids are living the dream.

This was a small group tour, roughly 10 of us, and I was able to make a friend along the way. We stopped for lunch at a beachside cafe, then headed to a waterfall in Morton National Park, stopped at the top of a peak to watch a few paragliders, and ended the full day at a beautiful winery.

My tour guide was phenomenal and made everyone feel welcome immediately. If this sounds remotely up your alley, don’t hesitate. Just book it. If you’d prefer to skip the winery, this tour in the Blue Mountains or this natural habitats including Tasmanian devils tour might be a better fit!

Sydney Food Tour

There is nothing I love more than arriving in a new city and finding a food tour that promises local and unique cuisine. Even when traveling alone, it’s incredibly easy to make new friends and feel connected to a place when you’re sharing a meal with others. There is nothing more communal than food.

What’s great is that even though this tour is food focused, you also get to see parts of Sydney beyond the landmarks. Plus I love anything that promises a secret dish! There is also a semi private tour available but if the focus of food isn’t for you, there’s a cruise tour that includes lunch!

Seeing a Show at the Sydney Opera House

This is something I didn’t get to do and I greatly regret it because the Sydney Opera House is not only known for its performances but also its legendary acoustics. What’s interesting is that it functions as a one stop shop for all entertainment in Sydney, opera, symphony, theater, and ballet all under one roof. So truly seeing anything there would be such a treat.

They also provide tours of the Opera House, which I’m kicking myself for skipping, but honestly just standing outside of it was incredible. I loved everything about its placement. Right across from the Royal Botanic Gardens and close to the Circular Quay restaurants along the waterfront. Worth every step up to those famous stairs

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens

I’m a big fan of grab and go meals and picnics while traveling solo. Some of my best memories are sitting in a park with my book, a lovely takeaway from a local eatery, and my Turkish towel, which I never travel without. The Botanic Gardens were not only breathtaking but wonderfully peaceful. I had the best time wandering through looking at the sculptures, different flowers, and people.

Do be wary of the spiders though. You’ve been warned.

They host a movie at the Botanical Gardens as well which would be an amazing treat to endure. You honestly can’t get a better view! West Pac Open Air puts it on during the lovely Syndey summer months.

Walk or Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of the best things I have ever done in my life, never mind just Sydney. The Harbour Bridge climb was such an incredible experience and I genuinely wish everyone gets the opportunity to do it. Different times of day are available and looking back, an evening or early morning climb would have been stunning for the sunrise or sunset views. But I’m so thrilled I got to do it at all.

If climbing isn’t for you, you can also walk across the bridge, take a helicopter tour over it, or see it from a whale watching cruise tour. Truly my favorite Sydney experience and one I recommend to everyone.

Museums in Sydney

The museums in Sydney are stunning both inside and out and always a great option for a rainy day.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales was established in 1874 and admission is always free. They have a beautiful collection of Australian art including Indigenous Australian art. The Australian Museum is their natural history museum, completed in 1857, and honestly looks like somewhere Mr. Darcy would live. The outside is so regal with a newly modern glass addition bringing it into the 21st century. The Australian National Maritime Museum is widely popular and loved by locals and visitors alike. And lastly the Sydney Observatory, which isn’t on everyone’s radar but sits on a lovely piece of land with stunning Harbour views from Dawes Point. Completed in 1859 and still offering tours today!

Take Surf Lessons in Bondi Beach

Last on the list is a bucket list item for so many people: taking a surf lesson from a local! Bondi Beach has a rich surfing history and is legendary for its waves and the incredible surfers it produces. It’s a quaint beach town where, surprisingly, everyone seems to know everyone unless you’re visiting.

This is such a perfect activity for solo travelers. It’s an excuse to get on the beach, maybe learn a new skill, and meet other people along the way.

Bonus Item: Take the Ferry to Manly Beach

10/10 recommend this ferry ride and this beach. In fact I’d recommend Manly over Bondi for how easy it was to get to and how much there was to do there. It caters to shoppers and tourists while also being a genuine local hangout. The ferry is easy, the views are stunning, and it’s absolutely worth the extra few dollars to go.

That’s it, friends! If you’ve been to Sydney I’d love to know your favorite things to do there. And if you’re headed that way, wishing you the best and safest trip.

xoxo